Comments on: Infusing your Fiction With Heart and Soul: An Exercise

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:12:07 +0000

@Disorderly — thanks for commenting. I love both of the new songs you’ve added to my short list here, and I also really appreciate the K.D. Lang version of Leonard Cohen. I mentioned to another reader… Jon Bon Jovi does a killer version of Hallelujah” also, but only live, I can’t find it recorded (he performs it on his new DVD/cable documentary). He claims Cohen has said it’s the best version, but that’s a matter of personal preference, too, and Lang’s style is certainly just as moving.

Thanks again. Keep writin’! L.

By: disorderly

disorderly — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:27:40 +0000

Larry, this post is spectacular. Music can have a powerful effect on the soul, and writers are particularly subject to things like that. We must feel deeply in order to write deeply. Music has the ability to transport us from one emotional state to another.

“Hallelujah” is one of my favorite pieces of music ever (although I prefer the k.d. lang version — there’s just such a visceral ache in her voice). Another evocative piece is “Whiskey Lullaby” (performed by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss). It’s nothing like the others you posted, but there’s something raw in the lyrics that is tremendously moving. Sarah McLachlin’s “In the Arms of the Angels” is another fave.

Sometimes just a snippet of music heard accidentally will spark a scene in my head. I love it when that happens (though not so much when driving in traffic ).

By: 43 Most Inspiring Writing Advice Posts of 2009

43 Most Inspiring Writing Advice Posts of 2009 — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:13:26 +0000

[...] Infusing Your Fiction with Heart and Soul: An Exercise, by Larry Brooks [...]

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:23:43 +0000

For those having trouble finding the songs, http://songite.com is a really easy way to listen to a specific song. You type in the title and artist and the site searches the web to find it (often off of Youtube) and plays it for you.

I just did it myself and it works like a charm.

As to the post itself, I completely agree that music is a powerful emotional stimulant that writers should take advantage of. I often listen to soundtracks from my collection to try to aid my writing.

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:59:09 +0000

When I saw what the first song was I felt very happy. I have had Jeff Buckleys Hallelujah in my favorites with YouTub since March. I listen to that song every day! When I saw 100 years I wasn’t sure what song it was but the moment it started to play I knew it. That song is another one that is beyond wonderful. And then to end it with Waiting in the Weeds made my whole day such a soft happy day. I was able to write 3 scenes on one of my screenplays.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for sharing this with us.

Becca

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:37:55 +0000

@ Deanna — music to my ears. No pun intended. Okay, a little intended.

@Mary — did you find the music yet? See Deanna’s post above… easy to find ‘em on Youtube. Hope you’ll go for it.

By: Deanna Schrayer

Deanna Schrayer — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:34:35 +0000

Thank you for a fantastic post! I’m astounded that I’d never heard Hallelujah before. I found it easily on YouTube, and wow, what a beautiful song. It draws forth so much inspiration.
Waiting in the Weeds and 100 Years are also lovely, emotional songs.
Now I just want to pour out my heart on the page, and so I will.

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:45 +0000

@Holly — will do, love that song in any version. Have you heard Bon Jovi’s? His new documentary features a live performance, and says that Leonard Cohen claims that the Bon Jovi version is the best he’s ever heard… not small praise from the composer himself.

@Carol — so glad this worked for you. I hope others will take your lead and give this magic bullet a try.

By: Carole (@tenderprey)

Carole (@tenderprey) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:39:58 +0000

Wow….
Absolutely blown away by the effect this had on me. I’d never heard ‘Waiting in the Weeds’ before and it tapped directly into the part of me where my muse resides.

I’m the kind of writer who needs silence or just natural everyday sounds in the background as I write. I use imagery, evocative pictures to inspire me but I’d neglected to use music to enhance the process and set the mood before diving into the ‘zone’.

Thank you so much for this!

By: Holly Bodger

Holly Bodger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:37:22 +0000

How weird! Hallelujah is the inspirational song I am using for my current WIP. If you want to see a cover that will knock you off your chair, look up the KD Lang Juno version. It’s unbelievable.